News

Bishop Tobin celebrated the Rite of Election on Sunday, February 18 at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. With great joy we offer our congratulations to two of our RCIA candidates from OLM who are now called “the elect.” Our “elect” from OLM are Sue Healey, she is to be received into the Catholic Church, and Al Behbehani who is to be baptized and fully initiated into the Catholic Faith. These last weeks of Lent are a particularly intense period of prayer and preparation for these catechumens as they ready themselves for the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass.

The Rite of Election at the Cathedral, Sunday, February 18. Left to Right: RCIA Team Members Carol Jones, Mary Anne Weaver, Fr. Barrow, Candidate Al Behbehani, RCIA Team Member Don Jones, Candidate Sue Healey and her husband, Mike Healey.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.

For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.

Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church.

If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection

Ten students from OLM School traveled to the Rhode Island State House on Thursday, January 25 for what has become an annual event in advance of Catholic Schools’ Week, which is to be celebrated nationally next week. Sponsored by RI Families for School Choice, the event invites schools from around the state to join together in support of legislative issues that directly impact families who choose a variety of educational options for their children, including Catholic, Christian, Hebrew and Independent schools. Among the issues being discussed at the State House, the group’s focus was a proposed expansion of the corporate tax credit program. For further information on this “Raise the Cap” initiative, visit faceofri.org

The highlight of the reception was a variety of performances by several choruses and musical groups from schools around the state. In addition, local state representatives visited the tables of the various schools in attendance, many meeting with their constituents before heading into their general session.

According to its website, the mission of the RI Families for School Choice “seeks to empower families to choose the educational environment that best meets the strengths and needs for each student by advancing public policies and providing a voice for school choice.” For more information, visit edchoiceri.org.

With a tradition of excellence in Catholic elementary and middle school education since 1951, Our Lady of Mercy School offers its students an opportunity to pursue excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Pre-K through Grade 8, co-educational Catholic school located in East Greenwich provides a nurturing, values-driven environment built upon the teachings of the Catholic Church

The OLM Robotics Team, “Team Tech Tsunami” won First Place in Programming at the First Lego League Championships on Saturday, January 13 at Roger Williams University. The team has been working after school since September to program and design a robot which would solve a problem in the human water cycle. According to OLM Coach and Computer Science and Engineering Teacher Bea Lukens, “They have met with experts, built prototypes, and best of all honed theirprogramming skills to be named top in the state in programming!” In December, the team from OLM won First Place in Robot Performance and was the Overall Champion in one of the four regional qualifiers to advance to the State Championships.Since qualifying, the team has been putting in extra time and effort towards improving their prototypefor a residential septic filter that would save a homeowner 167,000 gallons of water a year! It would filter septic water to be used to water lawns through an underground sprinkler system. They also worked after school every day to program their robot to complete the missions on the game table, many times through a working dinner. After the State Championship, Mrs. Lukens stated, “All of this was well worth it as the team took home the top trophy in Programming in the State of Rhode Island! Be sure to look for these futureengineers in the years to come!”

Rhode Island Students of the Future has hosted Four First Lego League Qualifying tournaments, all sponsored by National Grid, Textron Charitable Trust and the Verizon Foundation, during the 2017-18 Hydro Dynamics season. First Lego League introduces programming and problem solving to students around the world.

The students of OLM School displayed their faith and talent at the Annual Christmas Pageant on Friday, December 14th. Students from grades Pre-K through 8 sang carols and hymns and offered a live Nativity. We thank our OLM Music Teacher, Mrs. Nonetta Ruggerio, for her hard work in planning, rehearsing and conduction the Pageant. We also thank the OLM Jr. and Sr. Bands under the direction of OLM Band Teachers, Greg Takemoto and Jack Ramatta, for performing several Christmas favorites. It was truly a spectacular night of music and performance for the OLM Community. Keeping Christ in Christmas!

On Sunday, November 5, 2017 Bishop James F Checchio of Metuchen, NJ confirmed 87 young adults of Our Lady of Mercy Church. We offer the newly confirmed our heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes!

“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire!” St. Catherine of Siena

On Wednesday, October 18, the OLM School and Parish community gathered at 1149 Restaurant in East Greenwich for its third Grill the Priests event. Organized by members of the school’s Parent Teacher Group, Father Bernard Healey and Associate Pastor Father Joshua Barrow of OLM Church, the evening was a tremendous success with a sold-out group of over 100 attendees who were not only thirsting for answers to various questions, but also enjoyed the opportunity to socialize in an adults-only format.

Father David Gaffney (far right) offers a response during OLM’s recent Grill the Priests event held on Wednesday, October 18 at 1149 Restaurant in East Greenwich. Joining him on the panel were Father Nicanor Austriaco, OP, Father Brian Morris, Father Joshua Barrow and (hidden from view) Father Adam Young.

Following a brief reception of complimentary food and beverages ,the priests took their spots before the crowd and prepared to be “grilled”. In what has become a somewhat popular format in recent years, participants were allowed to ask questions, either “live” or anonymously via note-cards, on a variety of topics related to the Catholic Church.

Father Healey served as the moderator for the evening. The brave and learned priests on the panel included newly ordained OLM School Alum Father Brian Morris of St. Luke’s Parish in Barrington, Father David Gaffney, Rector of the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence, Father Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., a Dominican Friar and Professor ofBiologyat Providence College, Father Adam Young, Pastor of St. Paul Church in Cranston and Father Barrow.

The priests took turns answering questions that were either directed specifically to them, or based on their area of expertise. The evening was filled with tremendous faith, light-hearted humor amongst the brother priests and laughter and frequent applause from the attendees. By all accounts, it was another tremendously successful event that celebrated the OLM community.

Deacon Dufour celebrates his ordination at the North American College in Rome. Pictured L to R: Fr. Carl Fissette, Fr. Nathan Ricci, Deacon Dufour, Bishop Checchio and Fr. Ryan Connors.

The 2017 Ordination Class of the North American College in Rome.

Today at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Philip Dufour of Bristol, a seminarian of the Diocese of Providence, was ordained along with his 30 classmates by Bishop James Checchio of Meutuchen, NJ. OLM's Fr. Joshua Barrow along with other Priests of the Diocese of Providence including Fr. Ryan Connors, Fr. Nathan Ricci and Fr. Carl Fissette were in attendance for the Ordination. We congratulate Deacon Dufour and offer our prayerful best wishes! Ad multos annos!

OLM Parishioners gathered for the Annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 24, 2017. Good food, good times and good conversations had by all! Fr. Healey and his team won the Tug-of-War defeating Fr. Barrow and his team once again!

Our Lady of Mercy Annual PicnicSunday, September 24, 2017Noon until 4:00PMOn the Parish GroundsHot Dogs, Hamburgers & Ice Cream for allGames for Kids and AdultsAnnual Tug of War

CELEBRATE MERCY!

Sister Lucy Vescera, MPF, 90, entered eternal life on Thursday, September 14, 2017, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, at St. Joseph Hall, Villa Walsh, Morristown, NJ. Her passing came unexpectedly.

Viewing is at Villa Walsh, St. Lucy Chapel on Monday, September 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow the viewing at 12 noon. Interment will take place at Ave Maria Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Doyle Funeral Home, Morristown, N.J.

Through the kindness of Fr. Henry Zinno, Pastor, a Memorial Mass is to be celebrated for Sr. Lucy Vescera at her home parish of Mt. Carmel Church, Bristol, RI, on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. This also includes other parishes where Sister has been stationed in the Rhode Island area.

Born in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1927, Sister Lucy entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1945. She received her religious habit in 1946 and made her religious profession in 1949. Sister Lucy received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Connecticut State College in Elementary Education.

Sister Lucy’s mission centered on pastoral ministry and was a staunch teacher of religious education. Her places of mission included St. Joseph, Newark, NJ; St. Mary, Cranston, RI; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Bristol, RI; St. Thomas, Southington, CT; Holy Land, Waterbury, CT; and Our Lady of Mercy, East Greenwich, RI, her last place of active ministry.

Through the years, Sr. Lucy was recognized for her dedicated, faithful service: She was credited for her volunteer service at convalescent homes, hospitals, and home bound visits, especially to the people of Waterbury, CT, where she was honored for years of community service; she was acknowledged and praised for her teaching of religious education no matter where she was assigned. Sr. Lucy’s strong faith and authentic religious witness gave credence to what she taught and how she lived.

In 2013, Sister Lucy retired at Mt. Carmel Convent, Bristol, RI, and in 2014, due to poor health was admitted to St. Joseph Hall where she spent her last years.

Sr. Lucy is the daughter of the late Vincenzo Vescera and Angela (Cirillo) Vescera, and sister of the late Oronzo Vescera. She is survived by loving sisters Philomena Rao Bonomo and Mary Vescera; many dear nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sister Lucy Vescera may be sent to St. Joseph Hall, c/o Sister Ascenza Tizzano, MPF, Provincial Superior, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960.

Sister Jeanne is celebrating her 60th Anniversary as a Religious Sister of Mercy. She professed her first vows on September 2, 1957. A native of Connecticut, Sister served as a teacher and principal at Catholic Schools throughout the state. Arriving to OLM in the 1990s, Sister Jeanne served as a teacher and then Principal of Our Lady of Mercy School for nearly twenty years. Now retired she continues to help students at OLM School and Mercymount Day School in Cumberland. She resides at the Mercy Convent at OLM Parish.

Sister Lourdes is celebrating her 25th Anniversary as a Franciscan Apostolic Sister. She professed her first vows on August 15, 1992. A native of the Philippines where her religious community was founded, she has served in the Diocese of Providence for nearly twenty years. She has served at St. Agnes Parish in Woonsocket, Scalabrini Villa and now serves at the OLM School and Parish. Sister Lourdes resides at the Franciscan Convent at OLM Parish.

On Friday, September 8, 2017, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Robert C. Evans, the Auxiliary Bishop of Providence, celebrated the Opening Mass of the School Year for the Our Lady of Mercy School community. Father Bernard A. Healey, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church, served as the homilist and Father Joshua A. Barrow, Associate Pastor, served as the Master of Ceremonies. During the Mass, the parish school teachers were formally installed by Bishop Evans as Members of the Our Lady of Mercy School Faculty for the year 2017-2018. Also Sister Jeanne Barry, RSM, Retired Principal of OLM School, was recognized for her 60th Anniversary of Religious Profession as a Religious Sister of Mercy and Sister Lourdes De Leon, FAS, OLM Pastoral Assistant, was also recognized for her 25th Anniversary of Religious Profession as a Franciscan Apostolic Sister. Following the Mass, Bishop Evans formally blessed the newly installed OLM School Sign.

Sister Jeanne Barry, RSM and Sister Lourdes DeLeon, FAS are congratulated by the OLM School children on their annivesaries of relgious profession.

Fr Healey joins OLM 4th Grade Student RyanPedro on First Day of School!

Wednesday, August 30th we welcomed back our OLM School Family from the summer break! The parking lot was full of happy faces! Students, teachers, staff, parents, grandparents, principal, priests and Bishop Evans all enjoying the first day of school. We look forward to another great year with our wonderful students and dedicated faculty and staff under the great leadership of Principal Fuller. Join us next Friday, September 8th at 9am Mass for the Opening Mass of the School Year and Blessing of the New School Sign by Bishop Evans. God Bless our parish school!

"The damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, especially the flooding presently taking place in the Houston area, is unprecedented and heartbreaking. I urge the Catholic community in the Diocese of Providence to be spiritually united with all those affected by this catastrophe and to offer fervent prayers for their well-being, and to pray also for the safety of the first responders. May our nation be united in this time of crisis, and may God’s grace support us during this time of enormous suffering and pain. In the very near future, and as the long-term recovery begins, the Diocese of Providence will offer an opportunity for members of the Church to provide financial assistance as well."

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) president, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has called for prayers and solidarity with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Cardinal DiNardo also called on all people of good will to closely monitor future calls for assistance for victims and survivors in the days ahead.

“Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast in a catastrophic and devastating way this weekend, bringing with it severe flooding and high winds which have taken human life, caused countless injuries, and severely damaged homes and property throughout the region. The effects of this storm continue to put people in harm’s way, with horrific scenes playing out all around, such as those of people trapped on their rooftops as water continues to rise around them. Many dioceses of the Church in the United States have been affected; many others will be as the storm continues.

As the Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, this crisis hits very close to home. In solidarity with my brother bishops in this area of the country, I call on people of faith to pray for all of those who have been impacted by this Hurricane, and I ask people of good will to stand with the victims and their families. May God, the Lord of mercy and compassion, protect all who are still in danger, and bring to safety those who are missing. May He care in a special way for those who were already homeless, or without support and resources, before this disaster. We pray in thanksgiving for the first responders who are risking their lives to save others at this very moment. We include in our intentions the everyday heroes reaching out to help their neighbors in need, those who, like the Good Samaritan, cannot walk by a person in need without offering their hand in aid.

The USCCB is working closely with affected local dioceses, Catholic Charities USA and St. Vincent de Paul, along with other relief organizations, to assess the needs on the ground. In the next couple of days, we will share more about the best ways to assist those in the Gulf region with material needs based on the latest information we can gather. May God bless you and your families this day and always

All donations to OLM Outreach for the month of September will be dedicated to Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts. Also Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, needs your support to ensure the delivery of compassionate care and support to individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey. Their agencies provide essential support before, during and after disasters hit. In fact, long-term recovery is an integral part of Catholic Charities’ holistic approach and we work tirelessly to ensure individuals can live their lives with the dignity we all deserve. This service is provided to the community regardless of religion, social or economic background.

You can donate directly to CCUSA Hurricane Relief or you can give to OLM Outreach online by clicking the link to Parish Giving.

Thank you for your support and prayer

Prayer for Hurricane Harvey Relief

Compassionate God,

We pray for all those affected by Hurricane Harvey, and offer the words of the psalmist: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!” (Psalm 29:11)

As families seek shelter, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”

As people search for loved ones, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”

As survivors look to the future, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”

As rescue workers work tirelessly, we pray: “May the Lord give might to his people; may the Lord bless his people with peace!”

Lord, give might to those who need your strength to carry on. Fill their troubled hearts with your peace and move us with your compassion that we may respond generously to those in need.

Our newly designed Our Lady of Mercy School sign is now up! School begins this Wednesday, August 30th!! This beautiful sign matches all other signage at OLM and was made by Mike Z of Countryside Signs of Seekonk, MA. It is scheduled to be blessed by Bishop Evans following the Opening Mass of the School Year on Friday, September 8th! Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us and our parish school!

Welcome Mother Josephine, FAS, the Mother Superior of the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters to Our Lady of Mercy Parish. Mother is visiting from the FAS Motherhouse in the Philippines and traveling across the country visiting the FAS Communities in Nebraska, Illinois and Rhode Island. Pictured above his Mother Josephine the the FAS Sisters from OLM and the Villa Scalabrini Community with the clergy of OLM. We also celebrated OLM own Sister Lourdes, FAS, 25th Anniversary of Profession as a Religious Sister on August 15th.

What a glorious time we had last weekend in the Diocese of Providence, and here at Our Lady of Mercy. Three fine young men were ordained priests for our diocese and our native son, Father Brian Morris, celebrated his First Mass of Thanksgiving here at OLM. Thankfully the weather cooperated and helped make for a beautiful two days. The Ordination Mass was solemn and majestic and many parishioners from OLM were in attendance. The newly ordained Fr. Morris did a fabulous job celebrating his First Mass.